Cubs closer Carlos Marmol is an electric presence on the mound and now that he signed a three-year, $20 million contract earlier this week the pieces are in place for him to become one of the game’s elite. Still, some worry about Marmol’s issues with consistency, but Cubs GM Jim Hendry said he’s got that covered.
“Everyone knows I don’t just go throwing big money around, at least not anymore,” said Hendry. “We added an accuracy clause to Marmol’s deal that will dock his pay every time his control becomes an issue.”
Hendry explained the clause is simple: Walk the first two batters in the ninth of a one-run game? Marmol owes the team $100,000. Walk the bases loaded and it’s $250,000. Replace any of those walks with a hit by pitch and it’s an extra $50,000. Blow a save and he owes $500,000.
“It’s brilliant, right?” asked Hendry. “I just wish I’d have thought of that when we signed Soriano or Zambrano.”
For his part, Marmol said he doesn’t anticipate the clause will have much impact to his bottom line.
“I don’t think we’re going to be very good this year, so I’m not going to get a lot of save opportunities,” said Marmol. “The clause doesn’t include mop up duty in the seventh when we’re already down by eight, so I’m not worried about anything.”
